bigtravelbuzzMangan is a beautiful town located in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is a popular tourist destination that offers stunning natural beauty and a unique cultural experience. Here are some things to do and see in Mangan:
Visit the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located near Mangan and is home to more than 40 species of rhododendron, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.
Explore the Seven Sisters Waterfalls: The Seven Sisters Waterfalls are a group of seven waterfalls located on the way to Mangan. The scenic beauty of the waterfalls is mesmerizing and makes for a great photo opportunity.
Visit the Phodong Monastery: The Phodong Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. It is known for its beautiful architecture and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about Buddhism.
Trek to Green Lake: The Green Lake trek is a popular trekking route that starts from Mangan and takes you through beautiful forests, valleys, and lakes.
Visit the Mangan Market: The Mangan Market is a bustling place where you can find a range of local goods, including handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Attend the Mangan Music Festival: The Mangan Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates local music and culture. It is a great way to experience the local way of life and make new friends.
Try local cuisine: Mangan offers a range of local delicacies, including momos, thukpa, and chhang. Be sure to try the local cuisine during your visit.
Visit the Mangan Museum: The Mangan Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region. It houses a collection of artifacts, including traditional costumes, jewelry, and household items.
Attend the Losar Festival: The Losar Festival is a traditional Tibetan festival that is celebrated in Mangan. It is a great way to experience the local culture and festivities.
Visit the Kabi Lungchok: The Kabi Lungchok is a historic site located near Mangan. It is known for the treaty signed between the Lepchas and Bhutias in the 14th century.
Places to Visit in Mangan
Mangan is a beautiful destination in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the places to visit in Mangan are:
Tholung Monastery: This is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, located in the beautiful Tholung Valley. It is a perfect place to experience the spiritual and cultural side of Sikkim.
Singhik Viewpoint: It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The viewpoint is located on the way to Lachung and is a popular spot for photography.
Phensang Monastery: It is one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim, located near Mangan. The monastery is famous for its beautiful architecture and ancient artifacts.
Seven Sisters Waterfalls: This is a series of seven waterfalls located on the way to Mangan. It is a popular spot for picnics and is surrounded by lush green forests.
Kabi Longstok: It is a historical site located on the way to Mangan. This is the place where the treaty of brotherhood between the Lepcha chieftain Thekong Tek and the Bhutia chieftain Khye Bumsa was signed.
Phodong Monastery: It is one of the most famous monasteries in Sikkim and is located near Mangan. The monastery is famous for its beautiful murals and ancient artifacts.
Dzongu Valley: It is a beautiful valley located near Mangan and is a perfect place to experience the natural beauty of Sikkim. The valley is home to the Lepcha tribe and is famous for its hot springs and beautiful waterfalls.
Best Time To Visit Mangan
The best time to visit Mangan is between the months of March to May and September to December. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season should be avoided as heavy rainfall can cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. The winter season can also be quite cold with snowfall, so travelers should be prepared with warm clothing.
How to get around in Mangan
Mangan is a small town, and most of the tourist attractions are easily accessible on foot. However, for longer distances, travelers can hire private taxis, shared jeeps or buses, which are readily available in the town. The taxis can be hired from the taxi stand, and shared jeeps can be found near the bus stand. Buses are also a good option for those on a budget, and they operate between Mangan and other nearby towns and cities. Some of the taxi drivers also offer sightseeing tours of the town and surrounding areas, which can be a convenient way to explore the region.
Where to eat in Mangan
Mangan is a small town, and there are limited dining options available. Most of the restaurants serve traditional Sikkimese cuisine, along with Indian and Chinese dishes. Some of the popular eating places in Mangan are:
Hotel Sai Kripa: This is a popular restaurant in Mangan that serves Indian and Chinese food.
Hotel Yarlam: This is a small restaurant that serves local Sikkimese cuisine, along with some Indian and Chinese dishes.
Chumbak Cafe: This is a cozy cafe that serves coffee, tea, snacks, and light meals.
Hotel Dikling: This is a small hotel that serves traditional Sikkimese cuisine.
Lepcha Kitchen: This is a small restaurant that serves authentic Lepcha cuisine.
The Tandoor: This is a small restaurant that serves delicious Indian food.
It is important to note that most of the restaurants in Mangan close early, so travelers are advised to have their meals early in the evening.
Famous street stalls in Mangan
Mangan is a small town, and there are not many street food options available. However, travelers can try some local snacks and street food at the local markets and small eateries. Some of the famous street food items that you can try in Mangan are:
Momos: Momos are a popular snack in the entire state of Sikkim, and you can find them in Mangan as well. These steamed dumplings are filled with vegetables or meat and served with spicy sauce.
Thukpa: Thukpa is a popular noodle soup that is commonly eaten in Sikkim. It is made with noodles, vegetables, and meat, and served hot.
Chhang: Chhang is a traditional Sikkimese alcoholic beverage made from fermented millet or rice. It is served in small bamboo mugs and has a slightly sour taste.
Kinema: Kinema is a fermented soybean dish that is a staple food in Sikkim. It is rich in protein and has a unique flavor.
Phagshapa: Phagshapa is a traditional pork dish that is cooked with dried chilies and radishes. It is a popular dish among the Sikkimese people.
Sel Roti: Sel Roti is a traditional Nepali sweet that is popular in Sikkim. It is a deep-fried rice flour doughnut that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
These are some of the popular street food items that you can try in Mangan. However, it is important to note that the hygiene standards at the local eateries and street stalls may not be up to the mark, so travelers are advised to exercise caution while trying the street food.
Where to stay in Mangan
Luxury accommodation
Mangan is a small town in North Sikkim and does not have any luxury accommodation options. The nearest luxury accommodations are available in Gangtok, which is approximately 80 km away from Mangan. Some of the popular luxury hotels in Gangtok are:
The Elgin Nor-Khill: This heritage hotel is located in the heart of Gangtok and offers a luxurious stay with its elegant decor, spacious rooms, and excellent services.
Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino: This 5-star resort is situated amidst the lush greenery of Gangtok and offers an array of luxurious amenities such as a full-service spa, a casino, and a fine-dining restaurant.
The Royal Plaza: This centrally located hotel in Gangtok offers comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
The Keepsa Residency: This boutique hotel in Gangtok is known for its warm hospitality and offers well-appointed rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a rooftop lounge with a panoramic view of the city.
The Golden Crest: This modern hotel in Gangtok offers well-appointed rooms with all essential amenities and facilities such as a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace garden.
Travelers can opt for these luxury accommodations in Gangtok and plan a day trip to Mangan to explore the beautiful town and its surroundings.
Where to stay in Mangan
Budget accommodation
There are a few budget accommodations available in Mangan. Some of the popular ones are:
Hotel Tashi Yangkhil: Located in the heart of Mangan town, this hotel offers basic rooms with all necessary amenities at affordable prices.
Yarlam Resort: Situated amidst the scenic hills of Mangan, Yarlam Resort offers comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Hotel Blue Star: This budget hotel in Mangan provides clean and comfortable rooms with all essential facilities at reasonable rates.
Golden Pagoda: This budget hotel in Mangan is situated near the town center and offers basic rooms with all necessary amenities at affordable prices.
Phodong Retreat: Located near Phodong Monastery, this budget hotel in Mangan provides clean and comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
Please note that the availability of budget accommodations may vary depending on the season and demand.
Travel Tips Mangan
Mangan is a small town in the Indian state of Sikkim. Here are some travel tips for your visit to Mangan:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mangan is from March to May and October to November when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Permits: Indian nationals do not need any permits to visit Mangan. However, foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) which can be obtained from the Sikkim Tourism Office in Gangtok.
Getting there: The nearest airport to Mangan is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 140 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Mangan. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is about 115 km away. Taxis are easily available from here as well.
Getting around: The best way to get around Mangan is on foot. You can also hire a taxi or a shared jeep to explore the town and the surrounding areas.
Accommodation: Mangan has a few budget accommodations like homestays and guesthouses. You can also find a few mid-range hotels here. However, luxury accommodations are not available in Mangan.
Food: Mangan offers a variety of local Sikkimese food like momos, thukpa, and chhang. You can find several small restaurants and cafes in the town that serve delicious food at reasonable prices.
Things to do: Mangan is a great place to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Sikkim. Some popular things to do in Mangan include visiting the Mangan Monastery, trekking to the nearby peaks, and exploring the nearby villages.
Safety: Mangan is generally a safe place to travel to. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re traveling alone or at night.
Cash and ATMs: ATMs are not easily available in Mangan, so it’s always advisable to carry enough cash with you. Some shops and restaurants do accept credit/debit cards, but it’s always better to carry cash.
Respect local customs: Sikkim has a rich cultural heritage and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly while visiting monasteries and other religious places, and be mindful of local customs and traditions.